Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Lowry Park Zoo

Lowry Park Zoo is a place where you can spend a relaxing day. This zoo has plenty of things to do and see here. Come watch the endangered and exotic birds in the Free-Flight Aviaries. You can feed the birds at Lorikeet Landing. There is also a Manatee Center where you can see the endangered manatees. The Asian Gardens is where you get to see animals like rhinos, tigers and bears. There is also a children's area where they can cool off in "The Billabong" which is a water-play area. To get a great view of the park, go on the skyride. It's an enjoyable way to see the park. The zoo also has cafes and and gift shops. This zoo has so many different kinds of animals here, it is well worth the trip! Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 West Sligh Avenue in Tampa, Florida.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is one of my favorite places to go in Florida. Here you will find a variety of gift shops on each side of the street. One of my favorite shops is the Spongeorama Factory gift shop. I always end up binging home some of the natural sponges. Tarpon Springs also has some great sight seeing cruises. I was lucky enough to see a dolphin swimming next to our boat that day. I also took a round trip trolley ride which goes between the sponge docks and the downtown area. If your feeling hungry, I would recommend Hellas Restaurant. I like Hellas Gyro which is broiled lamb or beef with tzatziki sauce served on pita bread. Don't forget to save room for the Baklava from Hellas Bakery.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Honeymoon Island State Park

Here you will find osprey nests, mangrove swamps, salt marshes and dunes along the trails at Honeymoon Island State Park. There is also swimming and fishing in the Gulf waters. As you stroll down the beach, keep your eyes open for the beautiful shells along the way. Enjoy a beautiful sunset as you sit on one of the swinging benches right on the beach. The park also has a pet beach. Here you can bring your pet dog as long as the pet is on a leash. The park also has a concession stand, a picnic area and bathhouses. So make sure to come to Honeymoon Island State park for a relaxing, enjoyable day. This park is located at the west end of S.R. 586, north of Dunedin, Florida.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park is Florida's 3rd largest spring. Rainbow River is 5.7 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida. The park offers nature trails with it's different kinds of plants, magnolia trees as well as animals. You may even see a red-shoulder hawk or owl along the way. The best times to see the azalea gardens in full bloom are February and March. The park has a swimming area where the water temperature is around 72 degrees year round. You can also rent a canoe or kayak and float down the rainbow river or the Withlacoochee River. The park also has a gift shop and a concession stand. Rainbow Springs State Park is located at 19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd. Dunnellon, Florida 34432.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a park where you get to see some of the endangered animals as well as injured and orphaned animals. Here you will see eagles, hippos, manatees and so much more. The pontoon boat ride to the park is one of my favorite things to do there. The boat ride is very relaxing as you drift down Pepper Creek. Keep your eyes open so you don't miss the wildlife around you. It's fun seeing the different species of birds like the ospreys, egrets, and herons all in their natural habitat. Then after the boat ride has ended walk on over to the different exhibits the park has to offer. You can check out the manatees in the underwater viewing area and don't forget about the reptile house to see the different kinds of snakes there! The park also has a nature trail. There are places to eat at if you're looking to get a drink and a snack. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. Homasassa, Florida 34446.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens, Africa is one of those parks that has something for everyone. It is located at 10001 N. McKilney Drive Tampa, Fl 33612. Busch Gardens has a great selection of roller coasters. If you are brave enough go try Sheikra. It is America's first dive coasters. It doesn't have a floor so make sure what your wearing on your feet, stays on your feet! Sheikra isn't recommended for the faint of heart. This coaster has a 90 degree straight down drop.
If your looking for a great way to cool off then Tanganyika Tidal Wave doesn't disappoint. With it's 55-foot drop into the water, you don't have to worry about feeling hot anymore. Stanley Falls is a log flume ride with a 40 foot drop that will cool you off as well. Don't forget to stop by the Hospitality House. Here is where you will get a free cup of beer and not only that but if you sign up to do the Brewmaster's Club, you get to sample Anheuser-Busch beverages. You must be at least 21 years old to sample these beverages.
Rhino Rally is this great safari ride where you really feel as if you are on a real safari ride in Africa. It's a bumpy ride with lots of twists and turns along the way. There are some great photo opportunities to take of wild animals such as elephants, giraffes and rhinos.
Busch Gardens has a wide variety of places to eat at. The park has anything from beef and chicken dishes to vegetarian dishes as well as Italian ice. Feel like shopping? Well Busch Gardens doesn't fall short when it comes to shopping. You can get some great gifts here to take back home with you. Busch Gardens is a great park with lots of things to do here.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is one of those fun parks where there is always something to do there. Not only does Weeki Wachee have a spring-fed water park at Buccaneer Bay,but it has an underwater mermaid show. The mermaid show is entertaining for all ages. You can also rent kayaks and canoes and take a leisurely ride on the Weeki Wachee River which is spring fed. You may even see some manatees along the way. The animal show with its parrots and other birds is always a big hit with the audiences. Don't forget to check out the flume rides and tiki bar located at Buccaneer Bay. Weeki Wachee Springs is located at the inersection of SR 50 and Hwy. 19 in Hernando County. If your looking for a great family restaurant then Cody's Original Roadhouse is the place to go. This is the one place you can go, eat roasted peanuts and throw the peanut shells on the floor. Cody's is located at 3101 Commerical Way Spring Hill, Florida.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Pine Island

Pine Island is one of my favorite Florida spots to go. It has a very nice beach where you can kick back and relax, watch the occasional pod of dolphins swim by or even cast a fishing line in to test your fishing skills. If the sun gets too hot go for a swim along the nice beach area. Pine Island also has a cafe where you can get anything from sandwiches, hot food, ice cream as well as hot and cold drinks. There are also vending machines by the cafe for after-hours needs. If the kids don't want to go swimming anymore, not to worry, there is a playground area for them. For those who like to bbq, they have covered and non-covered picnic benches with available permanent grills. For me, the best part about Pine Island are the spectacular sunsets right off the Gulf of Mexico. If your looking for a great restaurant, Bayport Inn is a seafood and steak restaurant. It is located at 4385 Courtez Blvd in Spring Hill, about half a mile from Pine Island. It has indoor and outdoor dining. I like to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view of the gulf when the sun is setting. I do recommend their grouper basket. They also have a prime rib special on Thursday nights. Pine Island is located in Hernando County, at 10800 Pine Island Drive (off County Rd. 495 west of Weeki Wachee).